Hoop Tea has joined the Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD) family. The beachy tea-infused seltzer brand’s acquisition is the newest example of AB InBev’s continued commitment to its burgeoning Beyond Beer portfolio.

“Joining Anheuser-Busch is a perfect fit for us because we share a culture of daring innovation and strategic growth,” explained Danny Robinson, Hoop Tea’s founder and CEO. “Hoop Tea’s roots were planted in a laid-back beach town and we’ve relentlessly strived to build and develop our brand over the past several years. Working with the team at A-B is like hanging out with old friends and we’re excited to do some really cool things together.”

Hoop Tea was founded in the seaside town of Ocean City, Maryland in 2015. According to the brand’s website, it is “more than just a handmade alcoholic beverage. It is summer in a jar. Sunlight, held together by water and tea leaves.​​ Brewed by the sun and steeped in the salty air…”

The beach-inspired beverage brand features several fruit-forward flavors including White Mango with white tea, Watermelon Mint with green tea, Pineapple Passionfruit with white tea, and Peach Tea Lemonade with black tea. White Mango and Watermelon Mint are sold in 12 ounce skinny cans as well as multi-serving 3L pouches. Pineapple Passionfruit is sold in cans only, while Peach Tea Lemonade is solely available in 3L pouches. All of the spiked tea flavors contain an ABV of 5%.

The brand also produces Hoop Tea Aire, a low calorie line of tea-infused seltzers. Hoop Tea Aire is available in Orange Hibiscus Tea, Goji Berry Green Tea, and Kiwi Berry Matcha. The line features natural ingredients such as aloe water, coconut water and wildflower honey. Aire flavors are sold in a variety pack of 12 ounce skinny cans. The seltzers are gluten free, contain only 90 calories and feature an ABV of 4%.

For consumers who prefer the timeless flavor of iced sun tea without a fruit finish, Hoop Tea brews its American Original flavor with a simple base of organic black tea. The RTD malt beverage contains an ABV of 6% and natural flavors. American Original is also sold in skinny cans.

Anheuser-Busch is eager to explore its new partnership with Hoop Tea. “The team at Hoop Tea has created an incredible brand with an even better product offering,” stated Fabricio Zonzini, Anheuser-Busch’s President of Beyond Beer. “I look forward to working alongside Hoop Tea’s founder, Danny Robinson, and Vice President, Billy Gillman, to develop and grow the brand to its full potential.”

AB InBev has aggressively cultivated its Beyond Beer portfolio for the past several years. One of the strategies the beverage behemoth has employed to help establish dominance in the booming category involves the acquisition of promising RTD and seltzer companies.

In 2019 Anheuser-Busch purchased the canned wine company, BABE, as well as Cutwater Spirits. Both brands have grown impressively since their acquisitions. Cutwater’s RTD cocktails, for instance, hold the title “Most Awarded Canned Cocktails,” winning well over 1,000 awards since the brand’s inception. Earlier this year AB InBev also acquired the San Diego-based seltzer company Ashland Hard Seltzer.

The terms of Hoop Tea’s acquisition have yet to be disclosed. However, Hoop Tea’s founder and CEO, Danny Robinson, as well as Billy Gilman, the hard tea company’s Vice President, will continue to lead the brand after its sale to Anheuser-Busch is finalized.

Anheuser-Busch and Hoop Tea appear to be looking forward to brewing a prosperous new partnership together.

Shirani Jayasuriya
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